Election observers give Kenyans thumbs up for smooth voting

Election observers from the African Union and European Union have commended Kenyans for the smooth start of the elections which had only a few hitches.

The Head of the AU observer mission, former South African President Thabo Mbeki said the election was very peaceful and many polling stations started on time.

Mbeki acknowledged the problem of delays but said it was resolved in due time and machines are working, he said from the Kamiti Maximum Prison polling station where prisoners are voting for first time in Kenya’s history.

“Process of allowing prisoners to vote for president is an important step in rehabilitating them into society,” he added.

The EU observer mission also shared the same sentiments and expressed pleasure with the smooth start of the voting process.

Head of the Mission Marietje Schaake said her team of over a hundred observers across the country were satisfied with the preparations that ensured the process was all-inclusive, free and fair.

“For me I arrived here when people were patiently waiting in long lines. There were a lot of people here as you can see and I have not seen any issues myself. We will look at the full picture,” she said.

Polls will close at 5pm local time for many polling stations while those who started late will get an extension.

19.6 million Kenyans are voting at 40,883 polling stations in 290 constituencies and 47 counties. Voting ends at 5pm local time.